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ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Read for a Lifetime

Read for a Lifetime, sponsored by Jesse White, Secretary of State and State Librarian, and the Illinois Center for Book, is the first statewide reading program to target high school students, was designed to promote the enjoyment of reading by encouraging students to read both classic and contemporary literature, and rewarding them for their effort. By participating in Read for a Lifetime, students develop a love of books and reading that will last a lifetime.

Program Requirements

Illinois high schools participating in the program receive a list of 25 book titles, which represents a mixture of classic and contemporary literature.

Each student who reads at least four titles from the posted reading list during the school year will receive a certificate of achievement signed by Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

Blind or visually impaired students may work with their local Reading for a Lifetime coordinator to substitute those titles unavailable in Braille or Talking Books. To avoid any confusion on the final completion form, please identify those students and list the substituted title(s).

Print or type the name and current grade level of each student when completing the Student Participation Form. Please circle the name of any senior who is participating in the program for the fourth consecutive year.